DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 17 Original 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Horton
Abstract: Requires legislative approval for renewal of declarations of public health emergencies
when at least 50% of the state's population is affected and provides for the procedure to be
used when determining whether to renew a declaration of public health emergency.
Present law provides that a state of public health emergency shall continue until the governor finds
that the threat of danger has passed or the emergency has been dealt with to the extent that
emergency conditions no longer exist and terminates the public health emergency.
Present law also provides that no state of public health emergency may continue for longer than 30
days unless renewed by the governor.
Present law further provides that the legislature, in consultation with the public health authority, may
terminate a state of public health emergency by a petition signed by a majority of the surviving
members of either house and that the governor shall issue an executive order or proclamation ending
the state of public health emergency.
Present law also provides that the petition terminating the public health emergency may establish a
period during which no other public health emergency may be issued.
Proposed law amends the applicability of present law to public health emergencies affecting less than
50% of the state's population.
Proposed law provides that when a state of public health emergency affects at least 50% of the state's
population, the state of public health emergency shall not continue longer than 30 days unless
renewed by a majority of the surviving members of the legislature.
Proposed law provides for the procedure by which the legislature votes on whether to extend the
state of public health emergency.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 29:768; Adds R.S. 29:768.1)